Written by Achuta Uppu, MD. Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Photorefractive Keratectomy?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor trained to perform eye surgery, performs photorefractive keratectomy, also called PRK. PRK uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea. The cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
PRK is a type of refractive surgery. You have a refractive error when your eye does not bend light properly. PRK may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses.
Why a doctor might recommend it
PRK is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK may be a good choice if you have thin corneas. It may also be a better option than LASIK if you have a very active lifestyle or job.
To have PRK, you need to meet certain requirements.
- You should be 18 years or older, and ideally over 21.
- Your eye prescription should not have changed in the last year.
- Your corneas need to be healthy, and your overall eye health must be generally good.
Some people are not candidates for PRK. They include people with the following.
- A refractive error that is changing
- Corneal scars or disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Pregnancy or nursing
- A history of certain eye infections
How to prepare
Before PRK, your ophthalmologist checks your eyes in several ways.
- Your vision is tested to make sure it has not changed.
- Your ophthalmologist checks for other eye problems, because they could affect your surgery.
You and your ophthalmologist will also talk about your vision needs and your expectations for PRK. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
What happens during it
The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. Your eye is numbed with eye drops. Your ophthalmologist removes the outer layer of cells on your cornea, called the epithelium. Then the ophthalmologist reshapes your cornea with a laser. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is generally painless.
Recovery
Right after surgery, your ophthalmologist places a bandage contact lens over your eye to help it heal. You may have some eye pain for 2 to 3 days. Call your ophthalmologist if your pain is not helped by over-the-counter medicine. Your vision will be blurry at first and gradually improves over 3 to 5 days. It may take a month or longer to reach your best vision. You should avoid strenuous activity for up to a week after surgery. Wear sunglasses outside for as long as your doctor tells you. Sun exposure can lead to corneal scarring after surgery. Use your eye drops as prescribed by your ophthalmologist.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Like any surgery, PRK carries risks. These include the following.
- Glare and halos around lights, particularly at night
- Scarring of the cornea
- Cloudiness of the cornea, called corneal haze
- Corneal infection
Your vision may also end up undercorrected or overcorrected. These problems often can be improved with glasses, contact lenses, or more laser surgery. Very rare problems include having worse vision than before PRK, even with glasses or contacts.
Who performs it
An ophthalmologist performs PRK. Ophthalmologists are the only eye care professionals trained to perform surgical procedures on the delicate tissues of the eye.
Common questions
How is PRK different from LASIK?
PRK does not involve cutting a flap in the cornea, while LASIK does. In PRK, the top layer of the cornea is scraped away. In LASIK, a flap is cut in the cornea and folded back. PRK leaves more of the cornea untouched, which matters for people with thin corneas.
Does PRK hurt?
No, the surgery itself is generally painless, though you may feel some pressure. Afterward you may have some eye pain for 2 to 3 days.
Will I still need glasses after PRK?
You might still need glasses for some activities, such as reading or driving at night. PRK cannot correct presbyopia, which is the normal loss of close-up vision that comes with age. Almost everyone who has excellent distance vision will need reading glasses at some point.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. An ophthalmologist performs the surgery itself.
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - EyeWiki: Photorefractive Keratectomy
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - What is LASIK?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
